Croatia's islands host many events and festivals all year round, ranging from classical music events, traditional folk performances, art exhibitions, sports, pop concerts, educational workshops and events promoting the natural beauty of these islands - so there's bound to be something happening during your visit that you can enjoy.

Some of these events can be quite small and locally organised, so it's usually best to check with the tourist office in town or resort you're staying in for a full list. Below also are details of some of the best events taking place in 2012 as well as links to listings of events found on some of the Croatian islands.

Co-founded by famous Croatian actor Rade Serbedzija, Kazaliste Ulysses (Ulysses Theatre) on Veliki Brijuni island runs each summer with some wonderful plays - past seasons have seen Hamlet and King Lear. The Theatre is open and holds performances from mid-July to mid-August each year.

The Osor Music Evenings in Osor on Cres in July are a series of classical concerts performed by Croatian and international artists, and are held in the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Cres is also home to the Crescendo Musical Festival (end of June), which will now be in its fifth year.

Events on Losinj will include the Day of Dolphins cultural festival on the 1st August.

Mali Losinj also hosts the Losinj Jazz Festival, for the eigth time, on at the end of July. There will be performances from both Croatian and foreign jazz artists in some great open air locations.

On the island of Krk, events include numerous culinary celebrations such as the Eco, ethno winefest in May; there's also the popular carnival that takes place every January & February, culminating in a large parade in the middle of the second month. The medival-themed Krk Fair takes place over three days ta the beginning of August with music and other fun and games. The Baska International Guitar Festival also will take place in Baska on the island of Krk from 17th to 20th August 2012.

Rab's calendar of events includes "Rab Musical Evenings" every July. For something a little more clubbier, the Santos Beach Club in Rab will feature a full listing of summer performances, including appearances from some top name DJs.

Pag's events include the International Festival of Lace (an item for which the island is very well known) in June, and the Pag Art Festival in August.

However, Pag is known as being something of a party island! Party central is the town of Novalja; its Zrce Beach features Club Papaya and Club Aquarius, which host top DJ names (past names include Fatboy Slim, Sven Vath, Benny Benassi), mini dance festivals and - now in its second year - the Hideout Festival, 29th June to 1st July 2012.

Murter's list of events includes a selection of concerts and parties!

Hvar will undoubtedly have a wonderful line-up for 2011, including Hvar Theatre Days in May; the Festival of St Prosper (its patron saint) in Hvar Town on 10th May 2012, which will see a number of events including a gastronomic feast; the Hvar Summer Festival from June to October; and Fisherman's Night in Milna in August. The island will also be home to the second ever Arts and Crafts Fun Festival from 26th May to 17th June 2012 - read more about 2011's event on our blog.

Club Veneranda on Hvar will also host a number of lively club nights and international DJs this summer.

The island of Brac will see the Supetar Super Film Festival (10th - 15th July 2012) and the Supertoon International Animation Festival (end July/beginning of August).

Vis's events include the Vis Summer Festival, held each July and August, with numerous traditional and more modern dance and music events

Events on Korcula including a celebration of the times of Marco Polo (who was born on Korcula) at the end of May, when the streets of Korcula Town are decorated to look like a 13th century town

Mljet holds a klapa concert during May, with various klapa groups from around Dalmatia performing (Klapa is a traditional Dalmatian form of group acapella singing) and the Mljet Summer Festival each August.